Preds vs. Jets, Game 1: 3 things to watch

Here are three things to watch as the Predators prepare for Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday (7 p.m., NBC SN/102.5-FM):

What will the matchups be?

The Predators were effective at slowing Nathan MacKinnon's line in their firstround victory against the Colorado Avalanche. Now comes the challenge of neutralizing the Jets' top-six forward group.

Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis saw the most time against MacKinnon, so Predators coach Peter Laviolette might decide to utilize them against the Jets' imposing top line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler.

That would leave Mattias Ekholm and P.K. Subban to contend with the dynamic combination of Nikolaj Ehlers, Paul Stastny and 44-goal scorer Patrik Laine.

The defensive assignments probably will change throughout the series. Ekholm and Subban, who employ a more physical style than Josi and Ellis, might be better suited for the big-bodied Scheifele and Wheeler.

Prepare for potential of offense

The Predators and Jets didn't intend to score 41 combined goals in their five meetings this season. It just happened that way.

Neither team expects this series to be offense-centric. But it's undeniable that Nashville and Winnipeg, two of the league's best defensive teams, bring out the best in each other.

"Both teams have great goal-scorers, great offensive guys," Predators forward Kevin Fiala said. "It doesn't matter if you're first line or fourth, everybody can score. It's going to be a really good series, I think."

Will Ryan Hartman be factor?

After serving his one-game suspension in Game 5 of the first round, Predators forward Ryan Hartman remained out of the lineup as a scratch in Game 6.

Hartman, whom the Predators acquired for a first-round pick and more in February, wasn't a factor against the Avalanche. If and when he returns to the lineup, the Predators will need more from him.

Hartman's best game with the Predators was his debut Feb. 27 against the Jets, when he led them with eight shot attempts at even strength and scored the game-winner.

Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.